ABOUT US

T.J.’s Motivation: My long-term vision has always been to provide a place that combines training, instruction, team development, AAU opportunities and a place to just ‘go hoop’.  We here in The Region have such a rich and diverse history of amazing players and coaches to celebrate, I just want to contribute to that in an impactful way and open a place that welcomes anyone looking to Get Better or wanting to Be Great.

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Coaching (2009 – current):

• Coached at Merrillville High School 2009-2019 (asst. 2009-2011, head coach from 2011-2019)

• As head coach: Won 3 conference titles, 3 sectional titles and 2 regional titles.

• Coached well over 20 players who went onto play college basketball (over half of which earned D1 offers)

• Currently assistant boys’ varsity coach at Crown Point High School
   

Professional Basketball (2000-2007):

Played professionally for 6+ season in Germany and France

• • 2002-2003: League MVP (Reims, France)

  • 2003-2004: Runner-Up MVP, All-Star Selection (Reims, France)

  • 2004-2006:  Euroleague Qualifier (Pau Orthez, France)

  • 2006: Coupe de France MVP (Dijon)

  • 2006-2007: FIBA Europe Cup All-Star Selection (Dijon)

 

Collegiate (1995-2000):

• Established school records at Northern Illinois University for career scoring (1,996) & rebounding (1,110)

• Ranked top ten in program history with games played, games started, blocks and steals

• 4-time 1st team all-conference

• three-time Academic All-American

• 2000 Academic All-American Player of the Year and Anson Mount Scholar Athlete of Year

• Inducted into the Northern Illinois Hall of Fame in 2010

• 1996 MCC Conference Tourney Champs and NCAA Tournament Appearance

 

High School:

• Member of 1994-1995 Merrillville High School state runner-up team (27-2)

• Indiana All-Star

• Trester Award winner

• Times 1995’s Northwest Indiana Student-Athlete of the Year

• Named a member of the 2020 Indiana Hall of Fame Silver Anniversary Team
   

Personal:

• Owns The Exercise Coach in Crown Point and Dyer

• Support Manager for National & International franchise The Exercise Coach

• Assistant Varsity basketball coach CPHS

• Married (Mary, teacher at CPHS) with 3 boys (A.J., Jack, Troy)